Wheeling Jesuit University

Academic Resource Center

304-243-4473

Praxis IMath Component of the PPST

What kind of mathematics do I need to know for the math section of the PPST? The good news is you need not be proficient in calculus to pass this test. In fact, most of the mathematics on the Praxis I is math you learned before enrolling in college.

General Test Information:

Test Type Number of Questions Time Allowed Time/Question

Paper Computer

40 46

60 minutes 75 minutes

1.5 minutes 1.6 minutes

The paper test is offered approximately 4 or 5 times per year (varies by location).
$40 per test + a once per test year registration fee

The computerized test allows you to register at your convenience.

$80 per test

Your score is based on the number of questions answered correctly.

Not all questions or categories may have equal weight.

It is to your advantage to answer every question. WARNING: Calculators are NOT allowed!!!

Test Categories

Approximate Number of Questions Paper Computer

Approximate Percentage of Test

Number and Operations Algebra Geometry and Measurement Data Analysis and Probability

13 8 9 10

15 9 10 12

32.5 % 20 % 22.5 % 25 %

Download a copy of the computer or paper-based Test at a Glance from the Educational Testing Services website at http://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/praxisi_mathematics for a detailed account of each testing category.

Praxis IMath Component of the PPST

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How can the ARC help me prepare for the Praxis I math test? The Academic Resource Center has the following resources available to help refresh your math skills in order to prepare for the math portion of the PPST: Computer Tutorials Princeton ReviewMath Review * Brief Description Covers math skills listed under the Number and Operations category.
* This tutorial will require the program CD, available at the ARC reception deskall ARC software must be used in the ARC computer lab.

SkillsBank 5Intermediate Math II

Covers the majority of listed test categories with a lesson, practice, and test format.

Math Tutors for WJU students The ARC has math tutors who can assist you with relearning math topics you may have forgotten. Call the ARC at 304-243-4473 to schedule an appointment. Please be realistic about what can be accomplished in a 50-minute session. Study Guides available from the ARC Praxis Library *

The PPST Guide, Educational Testing Service Study Guide for the Pre-Professional Skills Tests, 2nd edition, Educational Testing Service Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST): Mathematics, Full-Length Practice Test Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests, Cliffs Notes How to Prepare for the Praxis, 2nd edition, Barrons Educational Series
* All materials must be used in the ARC and cannot be checked out.

Other Resources Use this webpage, http://WVInfoDepot.org, to access the Learning Express Library website.

Create a Learning Express Library account to use this sites resourcesits free! Follow the links: Occupation Practice Tests >> Teaching >> PPST: Praxis I Preparation Under the Praxis I Preparation link, you should find two full-length practice Praxis I exams which you can use to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked on the math portion of the test. Look under the College Students link for other available math reviews that may also help you prepare for this test.
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Praxis IMath Component of the PPST

Is there anything else I should know to help me get the math score I need? Here are some additional suggestions to help you obtain a passing score on this portion of the PPST: 1. Be Prepared. Although the math required on the Praxis I is not necessarily rigorous, it is a good idea to take time to look over concepts that are certain to appear on this test. You do NOT want to waste precious minutes recalling information from the depths of your memory during test time. If you can, take a full-length practice Praxis test. This will help to familiarize you with question type and format, as well as let you know in what areas you may need additional study. 2. Manage your time wisely throughout the test. Bring a watch with you to keep track of how much time you are using (the computerized test will keep track of how much time you have remaining). Try to pace yourself by allowing approximately 1.5 minutes per question. In other words, you need to answer about 10 questions every 15 minutes. 3. Read the entire question, and then look at all the answers before attempting to figure out the problem. Seeing what form the answer is in can sometimes save you time. 4. Use estimation. Estimation skills can be very useful on the Praxis. Using estimation, rather than performing the actual calculation can eliminate many of the available answers and is a time-saver. 5. Do not be afraid of skipping questions. The goal is to maximize your time by answering as many of the other questions as possible, before returning to those skipped questions which will require some extra time to solve. 6. Do not leave any question unanswered. If you have toGUESS! It is to your advantage to answer every question on the test.

Take advantage of the Educational Testing Services website at http://www.ets.org/praxis, prior to your exam, to learn more about the Praxis I test. Good luck on test day!

Specific test information contained in this handout was obtained from the Educational Testing Services website, http://www.ets.org.
Last Update: 4/7/2011

Praxis IMath Component of the PPST

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